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Looking For A Used Subaru? CR Says These 2 Models Give The Biggest Bang For Your Buck

With the new car prices up from last year, and the shortage of new Subaru vehicles, you may be looking for a used model. Here are the two best Subaru models and years recommended by Consumer Reports. Check out the used Subaru model report here.

What are the best used Subaru vehicles you can buy this year? A new update from Consumer Reports (CR) reveals two used all-wheel-drive Subaru vehicles recommended as the best models for used car shoppers. In addition, CR gives the best models and years to get the biggest bang for your buck.

The Subaru Legacy midsize sedan and Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV performed well in CR's road tests when they were new and had consistent above-average reliability for multiple years, according to our surveys of CR members. They are also affordable, equipped with modern safety features, and they get the highest crash scores from the IIHS. So keep reading, as we've included the one Subaru model and year you should avoid.

2018-2020 Subaru Crosstrek

The best midsize cars under $10,000

2013 Subaru Legacy

CR says, "The Legacy is roomy, refined, and one of the best-riding sedans available. We got 26 mpg overall, impressive given the standard all-wheel-drive. Also, look for a model with the optional EyeSight suite of advanced safety systems.

The best midsize cars $10,000-$15,000

2015 Subaru Legacy

The best midsize cars $15,000-$20,000

2013-2021 Subaru Legacy

2016-2017 Subaru Legacy

The best midsize cars $20,000-$25,000

2019 Subaru Legacy

The best midsize cars $25,000-$30,000

2021 Subaru Legacy

Why should you choose the Legacy sedan?

Sedans get better fuel mileage than SUVs, and the 2013-2021 Subaru Legacy comes standard with all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance. In addition, Consumer Reports says the Legacy demonstrated much better than average reliability in its owner surveys.

What is the Legacy fuel mileage?

In Consumer Reports owner surveys, they get a reported overall 27 mpg. The EPA says the 2015-2016 Legacy gets 26/35 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg with the 2.5-liter engine and automatic transmission. The 2021 Legacy gets an EPA-estimated 27/35/30 mpg.

The Legacy has excellent crash test results

The 2013-2021 Subaru Legacy earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Legacy also received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Best Small SUVs $20,000-$25,000

2018-2020 Subaru Crosstrek

CR says, "This generation of the Crosstrek is quiet, has a smooth ride, and got 29 mpg overall in our tests. Look for a model with the optional EyeSight suite of advanced safety systems."

The Best Small SUVs $25,000-$30,000

2021-2022 Subaru Crosstrek

What is Crosstrek's fuel mileage?

The 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek gets an EPA-estimated 27/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg with the automatic transmission. The 2020-2022 Crosstrek gets 28/33 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg with the automatic transmission. The 2021-2022 Crosstrek with the 2.5-liter engine brings 27/34 city/highway and 29 combined mpg.

The Crosstrek has excellent crash test results

The 2018-2022 Subaru Crosstrek earned the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Crosstrek also received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The used Subaru model to avoid

Used car shoppers should avoid the 2013 Outback, as it's the least reliable Subaru model. The 2013 Subaru Outback history report reveals 12 safety recalls indicated by the NHTSA. So the 2013 Outback would be a model and year used car shoppers should avoid.

Everyday 2013 Subaru Outback problems include oil leaks, faulty airbags, and transmission issues. It's important to note the problems with the 2013 Subaru Outback usually take place at relatively low mileage. Read the complete used Subaru model report below.

With the new car prices up from last year, and the shortage of new Subaru vehicles, those looking for a used model should check out the Subaru Legacy midsize sedan and the Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV. They are the two best used Subaru models recommended by Consumer Reports.

You Might Also Like: The Most And Least Reliable Subaru Models,Years - The Ones You Should Avoid

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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